NJ hospitals improving in patient safety

A new study finds New Jersey hospitals are doing a better job of preventing infections, falls and readmissions.

The New Jersey Hospital Association released data last week culled from reports to various government agencies from 62 hospitals that are taking part in a nationwide initiative to improve the quality of health care.

Insurance system changes are the best-known component of President Barack Obama’s 2010 overhaul of the health care system. But improving the quality of care is another aim of the law.

The Hospital Association examined data on 12 factors in quality care, comparing hospital performance from years past and 2012.

Of the 12, the only one that did not improve was reducing the number of elective early deliveries of babies.